Forbes Magazine: The World's Most Breathtaking Marathons

Filed in archive Adventure on March 31, 2008

Yes, you've heard of the New York Marathon and the Boston Marathon. But, did you know there are a lot more marathons in existence, including one in Antarctica? Once again, the editors of Forbes Magazine, has researched and written about the world's most breathtaking marathons. Read the article and watch the slideshow and see if it doesn't motivate you to start training for one.

The Last Marathon, Antarctica, March 6

During this race, "you will almost certainly be attacked by a brown skua, a predatory bird that feeds on penguins," says race founder Thom Gilligan. "Runners look like large penguins to them." Marathon Tours & Travel arranges a complete itinerary for participants, which includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. to Argentina, three nighs in Buenos Aires and a 10-day cruise from Ushuaia along scenic channels and passages to the Antarctic Peninsula. Book now-spots fill up a year or two in advance.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon, Tanzania, June 22

You'll be glad to know the course for this marathon does not actually ascend the entire mountain, but you'll have a nice view of Africa's highest peak throughout the race. "The course is a 6.5-mile loop through the town of Moshi. It's a very nice marathon, but it's small-just a couple hundred people," says Marie Frances, the race's founder. "It's really a biathlon: Participants climb the mountain first. It takes five days up and down, then the runners rest for a day before completing the marathon." After the race is over, runners often like to explore the Serengeti or take a trip to Tanzania's crown jewel, Zanzibar.

Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon, Nepal, May 29

The world's highest peak also boasts the world's highest marathon. The race is held on the same symbolic date each year: The day the first human ascended Everest. "The Everest Marathon is truly a fabulous journey, which offers beautiful rock formation, cascades and canyons slightly hidden under the thin mists," says Bista Sushil, the marathon's event management officer. Before the run, participants camp at Everest Base Camp. On the way, expect to see oaks, pines, hemlocks, rhododendrons, Himalayan Tahr, Musk deer and Impeyan pheasants.